The Mississippi River and American History
The Mississippi River is one of the world’s longest, winding its way through 10 states in the United States. It was first explored by French Canadians and Native Americans in the 16th century. Its rich history holds a special fascination for Americans, and the waters have been integral to the country’s identity since its founding. Many famous authors, including Mark Twain, have used their creativity to bring it to life and explore American life on its banks.
As one of the most romanticized and widely known rivers in the United States, the Mississippi has been a source of inspiration for writers since it was first discovered. Mark Twain, an iconic American author, wrote extensively about the mighty river, immortalizing it in literature. In his body of work, Twain painted vivid pictures of life along the waters, shaping a generation’s view of the country’s history in the process.
One of Twain’s most famous works centered around the Mississippi River is the classic novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The book is a universal story of struggle, adventure and freedom featuring the character of Huck, a boy from Missouri. His friendship with runaway slave Jim takes him and the reader on an epic journey along the Mississippi, learning about their place in the world as well as the waters of the river itself. Twain’s vivid descriptions of life and landscapes along its banks bring the epic tale to life and make it impossible for readers to forget.
Twain referred to the Mississippi as the “lifeline of the nation.” This concept was explored in his other works as well, particularly Life on the Mississippi. In it, he comments on the river’s importance to the nation during its formative years, and the influence it had on American culture. He described a people who lived off the river and drew stories and inspiration from it, describing a uniquely American experience.
Twain explored the intersection of modernity and a romanticized age in many of his works. In Life on the Mississippi, Twain showed his readers a river in transition, moving between the historically romanticized Old South and the quickly industrializing New South. He reflected on the power of nature and the needed but disruptive effects of modernity, as he gives his readers a nuanced view of the Mississippi and its evolution along the historical timeline.
Changing Nature of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is not only a source of inspiration, but it is also an ever-changing entity. It is continually being altered and reshaped by man, weather and the environment. During Twain’s lifetime, the river was vital for transportation and commerce, carrying steamboats that traveled up and down its length. This changed as the Industrial Revolution gained momentum, with many new forms of transportation replacing what was once the most important way for goods to be moved across the country.
Another major change to the river occurred with the construction of the Mississippi River levees. These massive infrastructure projects were meant to control and contain the river, mitigating against floods that had severely disrupted the lives of those who lived along the riverbanks. While these projects were helpful for some, for many others this reshaping of the river led to a disruption of the culture and their way of life. Twain recognized this, noting in Life on the Mississippi that the levees had made the river much less mysterious, comparing it to ‘a lake almost, like the river popularly imaginary, deep, silent and mysterious.’
The levees gave states greater control over the river, allowing them to better manage it and subject it to the needs of industry. This was further exacerbated by further dredging and channelization efforts in the 20th century, effectively reducing the Mississippi to only a fraction of its once wild flow. While there is evidence that recent efforts have attempted to restore the river, many fear the necessary wildness of its untamed flow has been lost forever.
Mississippi River Source to the Sea
The source of the Mississippi River is Lake Itasca, in Minnesota. It’s 2,552 mile journey takes it down through Minnesota and Wisconsin, past St. Louis and past Memphis in Tennessee, before it reaches its delta in the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana. Along the way, it’s fed by tributaries from Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana.
The delta of the Mississippi is one of the features that make the river so iconic. It is made up of thousands of acres of marshlands, swamps and islands in southeastern Louisiana. This unique environment is a vital habitat for fish and wildlife, including everything from rare birds, such as Bald Eagles, to alligators. This vibrant wetland ecosystem provides an incredibly diverse array of species, making it a vital resource to Louisiana and the nation.
The river provides the delta with the ability to continually replenish itself. Its waters come filled with sediment and nutrients that are vital to the habitats of the region. This nourishment makes it an incredibly unique and important region, serving as a spawning and feeding ground for many of the waters’ creatures. It is also home to many species not found anywhere else in the world.
Environmental Changes in Mississipi River
While the Mississippi has long been an iconic part of American culture and literature, it has also experienced devastating environmental changes in recent years. Human activities along its length have caused erosion and pollution, leading to issues such as decreased biodiversity and oxygen depletion. Many species that once lived in the river and its tributaries have been in dramatic decline, leading to concerns about the health of the ecosystem.
This has led to a number of efforts to restore and protect the river. Organizations such as the Mississippi River Basin Partnership (MRBP) have been aiming to clean and protect the vital resource for future generations. They are working to improve water quality, restore and conserve wetlands, reduce sources of pollution and increase public awareness of the issues facing the river today.
The MRBP is also working to bring back species to the river and its tributaries. They are working to restore habitats and reintroduce species that were lost due to over harvesting and pollution. As part of this effort, they are providing financial and technical assistance to groups looking to reestablish lost species.
Preservation of the Mississipi River
Preserving the Mississippi River is an important part of American heritage. It is a cultural institution that has inspired countless works of literature and art, including Mark Twain’s famous writings. Twain’s composite rendering of its history, culture, and significance still provides a unique perspective on the river and its experiences.
The river has also been an integral part of U.S. history. From its early days as an important trading and travel route, to more modern efforts to control and contain it, it has played an active role in shaping the nation. It is now a source of livelihood for many, including fishermen, farmers, and outdoor adventurers.
As the river continues to change and evolve, it is up to the generations to come to keep its health and vitality. Organizations such as the MRBP are working to improve the river’s water quality, and reintroduce species to the riparian ecosystem. They are also focusing on educating the public about the issues and importance of maintaining the river’s health into the future.
Conclusion of the Role of the Mississipi River
The Mississippi River is an integral part of American culture, literature and history. Its winding length and unique ecology have drawn many people to its banks. To this day it still carries Americans and tourists alike, inspiring those who have been through its waters with tales of freedom, struggle, and hope. Twain’s work has immortalized the river and will continue to serve as a reminder of its importance to the American identity.
